Synopsis

The debut of a stunning new voice in fiction— a novel both heartbreaking and transcendent

After four harrowing years on the Western Front, Tom Sherbourne returns to Australia and takes a job as the lighthouse keeper on Janus Rock, nearly half a day’s journey from the coast. To this isolated island, where the supply boat comes once a season and shore leaves are granted every other year at best, Tom brings a young, bold, and loving wife, Isabel. Years later, after two miscarriages and one stillbirth, the grieving Isabel hears a baby’s cries on the wind. A boat has washed up onshore carrying a dead man and a living baby.

Tom, whose records as a lighthouse keeper are meticulous and whose moral principles have withstood a horrific war, wants to report the man and infant immediately. But Isabel has taken the tiny baby to her breast. Against Tom’s judgment, they claim her as their own and name her Lucy. When she is two, Tom and Isabel return to the mainland and are reminded that there are other people in the world. Their choice has devastated one of them.

M. L. Stedman’s mesmerizing, beautifully written novel seduces us into accommodating Isabel’s decision to keep this “gift from God.” And we are swept into a story about extraordinarily compelling characters seeking to find their North Star in a world where there is no right answer, where justice for one person is another’s tragic loss.

The Light Between Oceans is exquisite and unforgettable, a deeply moving novel.

And the Mountains Echoed

CUSTOMER REVIEWS

A great read. It tugged at my heart. Well written with a story line that kept it moving .Did not want to put it down. Was surprised by the ending!

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Sharon

1 review

Great read

March 15th, 2015

Tom is a lighthouse keeper off the west coast of Australia. He and his wife Isabel find a baby and a dead man washed up on the beach. They bury the man but keep the baby girl a their own. Years later, back on the mainland, Tom hears of a mother who lost her husband and baby and wants to make it right.

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Lorraine

1 review

Very good read

February 12th, 2015

A heartbreaking story about the love one has for a child. The author did a great job creating sympathy for characters on both sides. I wasn't sure where I wanted the story to go.

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Corinne

1 review

Great book!

January 7th, 2015

Very emotional story. It will definitely tug at your heart strings. I couldn't put this book down!!!!

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Jen

1 review

The light between oceans

November 7th, 2014

Beautiful book....loved it

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Kelsey

1 review

The Light Between the Oceans

October 27th, 2014

Emotional and beautiful.

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Karen

1 review

Ok read...

October 25th, 2014

I think I was expecting a bit more from the book...

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Sandy

1 review

The light between oceans

October 23rd, 2014

Excellent, made me cry!

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Shirley

1 review

The Light Between Oceans.

September 22nd, 2014

This novel presents an interesting twist on a traditional plot. It is Shakespearian in nature. You at time hate and love each character. Great book. I'll tell others not to miss it.

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Gary

1 review

Light Between Oceans

September 8th, 2014

Loved it....started out a bit slow though...

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Lydia

2 reviews

Light Between Oceans

September 8th, 2014

Loved it....started out a bit slow though...

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Lydia

2 reviews

Must read!

September 7th, 2014

Awesome book, makes you think about the decisions we make that shape our lives.

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Sherri

1 review

The light between two oceans

August 21st, 2014

An "I can't put it down read"!!! Nicely done.

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Theresa

1 review

Such a perfect read!

August 4th, 2014

A must read! You really become a part of each character.. feeling their feelings, and so much more! What a lovely tale!

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Kristen

1 review

Excellent read

August 1st, 2014

This novel is rexquisitelt written, full of love and raw emotion and difficult choices. Both a well-worn story and full of new twists, it compels the reader to reflect on the many "what ifs" it evocatively insists cannot, must not be explored. When right and wrong are so intricately interwoven that one is the underbelly of the other, the choices we make seem ineffectual and powerless to make any difference. But they do, and despite the seeming vortex of hopelessness, the currents flow true and straight in the end. A most deserving read.

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Pronghorn63

1 review

The Light Between Oceans

July 19th, 2014

This is a beautifully written and incredibly tragic story. Anyone who has ever loved a child, even if she has never lost a child,can identify with the mothers in this story. Each wanting to believe that she knows what is best for the child but in reality, each is looking to the child to complete something in themselves. I will read it again.

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Desi

1 review

The Light Between Oceans

July 14th, 2014

A great book if you're a period piece fan. A balance of ethical duty and passion of the heart: you'll put yourself in the characters' positions over and over again to ask yourself what the right path really is.....

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Kristin

1 review

Captivating and heart wrentching

July 14th, 2014

I became wrapped up in the characters quickly and by the end, deeply. Well written and captivating.

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D

1 review

The Light Between Oceans

July 4th, 2014

A gripping story of love and moral dilemmas. It must have been difficult deciding how to resolve the situation and end the story.